Panama

Rating:
Summary: Miller Knows Panama and Makes It Real
Review: I enjoyed Panama, Carlos Ledson Miller's story of a man who embarks on an innocent journey to re-visit his roots and becomes entangled in a life-or-death struggle to save himself and his new found love and her son in the Panamanian upheaval of 1989. The novel offers much more than the gripping personal saga of Hank Duque. It take us into the history and background of the politics and culture of a fractured nation. Miller's flowing style immerses the reader in Panama, its troubled past and dangerous present when no one can be trusted. It's a great read for vacations (you won't want to put it down) or any other time.

Rating:
Summary: I was "there" again
Review: I lived in the Canal Zone for over 25 years, and loved this book because it took me "home" to a place we Zonians cherish. It also pointed up the discords in relations between the US and Panama, not always of our own making. Miller shows how our governments use us as pawns, as John LeCarreº does. "Panama" has action, adventure, romance, suspense, and a credible story set in an exotic place--exotic even to me after 20 years away. I had always felt I'd missed all the 'action' during the Noriega years and the Invasion, but after reading this, I was thankful we weren't there. I very seldom read books of this genre, but found this one a page-turner!

Rating:
Summary: A few doubts
Review: When I was reading this book I was alternately fascinated and scared. The story was very well written.

Then I went to Panama and discovered that the flag raising which is a pivotal incident at the start of the book is described completely incorrectly, which makes me doubt the historical accuracy of other events.